Monsters Are Due on Maple Street Themes

Which character's statement best explains why the people on Maple Street are so upset that none of their machines run?

• Charlie: A little power failure and right away we get all flustered and everything.

• Van Horn: I'll cut through the backyard... See if the power's still on on Floral Street.

• Steve: It couldn't be the meteor. A meteor couldn't do this.

• Don: I didn't hear any crash though, did you?

What FIRST causes neighbors to suspect that Les Goodman is from outer space?

• He didn't come out to look at the roar and flashing light.

• One woman has seen him looking at the sky in the middle of the night.

• His car starts by itself.

• He has lived on Maple Street for only 5 years.

What mainly does the following line reveal about what has happened over the course of the excerpt? (Occurs after Charlie's lights come on) GOODMAN. That’s what I’d like to know.

• The accuses has become an accuser among the group.

• The neighbors have discovered who is causing the lights to go off.

• The neighbors have reached an agreement about who is to blame.

• The "monster" has been revealed, and it is Goodman.

Which of the following selections best expresses a theme of the excerpt?

• Talking through a problem can allow for a peaceful resolution

• Leadership is necessary when trying to come up with a solution

• Fear of the unknown and paranoia can lead to disaster

• Spying on the behavior of others assists in preventing neighborhood crime

Which line from the excerpt most strongly supports the theme?

• “‘I think we better keep our eye on you too!’”

• “‘He comes walking out of the darkness—how am I supposed to know who he was?’”

• “‘Until we get this all straightened out, you ain’t exactly above suspicion yourself.’”

• “'What I’d like to know is—what are we gonna do?’”

Right after the power failure, Charlie says, “A little power failure and right away we get all flustered and everything.” Why is this statement significant? (Hint: think of the last part of the story when the aliens repeat the word "few")

• It suggests that there will be a greater power failure later in the story. 

• It suggests that the residents will discover the reason behind the power failure. 

• It is similar to what the creatures later say about the humans

• It shows that Charlie will overcome his fear and save the town. 

Why do you think the writer made the events occur on Maple, Street USA?

• The setting suggests that the events could happen anywhere.

• The main character live on this street.

• The setting indicated that small towns are filed with superstitions people.

• The aliens were told to find this street.

Which of these is the best summary of Act 1?

• The neighbors on Maple Street are unhappy because their power is out.

• Les Goodman frightens his neighbors when his car starts by itself.

• A strange event causes neighbors to become suspicious of one another.

• Pete Van Horn leaves Maple Street to see what is happening elsewhere.

Which character's statement best explains why the people on Maple Street are so upset that none of their machines run?

• Charlie: A little power failure and right away we get all flustered and everything.

• Van Horn: I'll cut through the backyard... See if the power's still on on Floral Street.

• Steve: It couldn't be the meteor. A meteor couldn't do this.

• Don: I didn't hear any crash though, did you?

What FIRST causes neighbors to suspect that Les Goodman is from outer space?

• He didn't come out to look at the roar and flashing light.

• One woman has seen him looking at the sky in the middle of the night.

• His car starts by itself.

• He has lived on Maple Street for only 5 years.